Thanksgiving Moments

Fade to Black – Thanksgiving at Risk

The following is an excerpt from Jason L Ward’s write-up on Sway.com titled “Fade to Black – Thanksgiving at Risk”. To read the full excerpt, click here!

The enticing aromas of sweet potato and pumpkin pie; the alluring scent of brown sugar and cinnamon mixed with the inviting fragrance of the yams the two spices marinate; the mouth-watering savor of collard greens, string beans, cabbage, turnips seasoned just right; the welcome scent of ham glazed and adorned with pineapple and clove, corn freshly buttered, stuffing mixed with gravy and the familiar and comforting aroma of turkey cooked to golden brown perfection – these are some of the smells of Thanksgiving. Bellowing laughter filling the air; the chatter of familiar voices of family and friends seen far too infrequently; the pitter-patter of excited feet as children scuttle through rooms delighted about this once a year gathering with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents; the metallic clang of pots, pans and silverware and the clinking of glassware and plates in preparation of the yearly feast –a grace prayed to God with sincere and heartfelt gratitude – these are some of the sounds of Thanksgiving. Deep feelings of nostalgia, heart-warming moments as the family reminisces of years gone by and family members gone on, appreciation for the love that fills the home, gratitude for family and friends- acceptance of their imperfections, grateful for their presence- Thankfulfulness. These are the feelings of Thanksgiving.

“So this is what it has come down to. We wonder why there seems to be no morals any longer, no concern for another person, and a dwindling devotion to family, as we watch society in the great US plummet deeper into the “me, me, me, mine, mine, mine” manner of thinking. As a whole in this country we don’t have many days where our sole purpose is to reflect and appreciate the life we have. Thanksgiving is that day and we are watching it slip from our grasp further and further each year. It is a day where the only goal is to remind us of all we have that is good in our lives. A day where the things that truly matter are given the rightful priority in our thoughts. It isn’t about $10 toaster sales, widescreen T.V.s, or BOGO specials. It is about our loved ones, our health, food to eat, a place to rest our heads. Even a homeless person dining in a shelter that day will take a moment to be thankful for a warm meal and a warm place to eat it in. It is one of those rare moments in today’s busy society where we can spend a moment together and reflect on the good things we have in our lives. We don’t have to be churchgoers to do it, or even have any religious belief at all. It spans races and economic backgrounds. All that is required is the ability to be appreciative for what we do have instead of dwelling on what we don’t.

Those of us who have been around for a moment or two can likely remember when Black Friday was just that, Friday. Stores did not necessarily open early for it, but it was the busiest shopping day of the year. It was the day to kick off the Holiday Season. People did not pitch tents and stand outside stores in the wee hours of the morning. Thanksgiving was left alone, frequently with little mention of the shopping trip to come on the day following until long after the dishes had been dried and put away, if mentioned at all. Everyone loves a good sale, but we should love our families more. I still do. There will be no talk of Black Friday at my table until after the pie, and no talk at all of shopping on Thanksgiving day, or what some now have termed “Brown Thursday”.”

- Debbie Smith Alton -

Retailers and shoppers are slowly destroying Thanksgiving

The following is an excerpt from Josh Mendelson’s write-up on Alligator.org. Click here to read the entire article.

“Thanksgiving is an especially joyous time.

It’s a day where we hopefully have the wonderful opportunity to gather with our families, feast together, watch football and take lengthy naps.

Oh, America, how grateful we are for your national day of thanks.

However, as American families gather around their tables to dine on a delicious meal, underpaid workers will put on their uniforms to work at retail stores across the nation. The holiday President Abraham Lincoln declared for our great nation is eroding away at the promise of a good bargain on Thanksgiving evening”